How Much Front Clearance Does a Murphy Bed Need?

What is front clearance for a Murphy bed?

Front clearance is the open floor area directly in front of a Murphy bed that the bed needs when it unfolds from the wall or cabinet. When a wall bed lowers, it swings down and extends into the room, so the space in front must be empty enough for the bed to open fully without hitting furniture, walls, or other objects. For a general overview of Murphy bed types, see our Murphy bed buying guide.

For a cabinet bed, the bed folds out from the cabinet, and the cabinet itself sits on the floor. The clearance needed is the same idea: the bed needs room to unfold and for you to get in and out of bed. The exact distance depends on the bed's size and how it is designed to fold.

• The bed's projection: the depth of the bed when it is open, which is usually close to the mattress length.
• Walking space: room to move around the bed, make it, and get in and out comfortably.
• Furniture placement: keeping chairs, desks, or shelves out of the swing path.

Why front clearance matters

Without enough front clearance, a Murphy bed cannot unfold fully, which can damage the bed or the wall. It also makes the bed hard to use: you might not be able to open it at all, or you might have to squeeze around furniture every time you want to sleep. Learning how to measure your room before buying can help you plan the right clearance.

For rooms that double as an office or living space, planning clearance ahead of time helps you arrange the room so the bed works when you need it and the room still functions when the bed is closed.

How much space do you need in front?

A common rule of thumb is to leave at least the length of the mattress plus about 2 to 3 feet of walking space. For a twin bed, that might be around 8 feet; for a queen, around 9 to 10 feet. But the exact number depends on the bed's design and the room's layout.

The most reliable way to know is to read the bed's stated dimensions, especially the projection or depth when open. For example, a queen Murphy desk bed from Wilding Wallbeds has a projection of 67 inches, which is about 5.5 feet. That is the minimum space the bed needs to unfold, but you would want extra room for walking and making the bed. For more on queen sizes, see our best queen Murphy beds guide.

How to read a listing for clearance information

Look for the bed's dimensions in the listing, especially the depth or projection when open. This tells you the minimum space the bed needs to unfold. Also check the closed cabinet depth, because that affects how much space the bed takes when it is stored. Understanding the difference between cabinet beds and wall beds can help you interpret these numbers.

For example, Wilding Wallbeds lists the cabinet depth for their Murphy cabinet beds as 24 to 27 inches, and the Olympia desk bed has a cabinet depth of 38.5 inches. These numbers help you plan the room's layout.

• Projection or open depth: the space the bed needs when down.
• Closed cabinet depth: how much the bed sticks out from the wall when stored.
• Mattress size: a larger mattress means a longer bed and more clearance needed.

Planning clearance in different rooms

In a guest room that is also an office, place the bed on a wall that is not behind the desk, or choose a desk bed that keeps the desk surface clear when the bed is down. The Wilding Murphy Desk Bed, for example, keeps the desk level and leaves 17 inches of clearance for items on the desk, so you can leave a computer in place. See our best Murphy beds with a desk for options.

In a studio apartment, the bed often shares the room with a sofa or seating area. Measure the open floor space in front of the bed and arrange furniture so nothing blocks the swing path. A cabinet bed can be easier because it is freestanding and can be repositioned, as Wilding notes for their cabinet beds. For orientation choices, read about vertical vs horizontal Murphy beds.

Common mistakes to avoid

One mistake is forgetting to account for the bed's projection when the mattress is on it. The projection listed is usually for the frame, but the mattress adds a little depth, so leave a few extra inches.

Another is placing the bed in front of a door or window. A door that swings into the room can hit the bed when it is open, and a window may be blocked when the bed is down. Plan the bed's location so it does not interfere with the room's traffic flow. If you have a low ceiling or narrow wall, consider a horizontal Murphy bed.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

How much space do I need in front of a queen Murphy bed?

For a queen bed, plan for at least the projection (often around 67 inches for a desk bed) plus about 2 to 3 feet of walking space, so roughly 8 to 9 feet of clear floor space. Always check the bed's stated projection in the listing.

Can I place furniture in front of a Murphy bed?

You can, but it must be moved before the bed is opened. It is better to keep the area clear or use furniture on wheels. Some beds, like the Wilding Murphy Desk Bed, keep a desk surface clear when the bed is down, so you can leave items on it.

Does a cabinet bed need more clearance than a wall bed?

Not necessarily. The clearance depends on the bed's projection when open, not the type. Cabinet beds are freestanding, so they can be moved, but they still need the same open space in front to unfold.

What if my room is too small for full clearance?

Consider a smaller bed size, like a twin or full, which has a shorter projection. Also, look for beds with a compact design, such as the Cube cabinet bed from Wilding, which has a smaller footprint.